May 13 – Is racism dead?
It's obvious that some or many of us see May 13 as taboo, something which will "open old wounds." Hence many prefer to keep mum, saying out loud instead that racialism or rather racism is dead and praying in silent the tragedy will not happen again. Yes, we are not at each other's throats and we can agree to disagree in a "civilised" manner. But is racism really dead?
By Mohsin Abdullah, My Sinchew
LAST WEEK was the 40th anniversary of the May 13 tragedy. Save for some newspaper articles and commentary pieces in the internet,the day came and went quietly. In fact, very much unnoticed by the majority, particularly the younger Malaysian. Is this good? Or bad? Well, to me, both. Good and bad.
Good… because the majority of us Malaysians have moved on and put the blood bath of 40 years ago behind us. All is forgiven, let bygone be bygone. No ill feelings. So it seem. The younger ones amongst us don't even know there was a racial confrontation on 13 May 1969. Hence they harbour no hatred against anyone. That must surely be good.
Bad… because we can't learn from the past. As we all know from every painful experience there are lessons to be learnt. The lessons are important for us to ensure mistakes that led to such painful experience are not repeated. So when we do not know much about the tragedy of May 13, how can we learn from past mistakes? And take steps which will prevent tragedy in time to come.
It's obvious that some or many of us see May 13 as taboo, something which will "open old wounds." Hence many prefer to keep mum, saying out loud instead that racialism or rather racism is dead and praying in silent the tragedy will not happen again. Yes, we are not at each other's throats and we can agree to disagree in a "civilised" manner. But is racism really dead?
I sincerely hope so. We have come a long way as far as inter racial relation is concerned. But we need to make sure. Very sure.
How? Highlight the mistakes made that led to May 13. Investigate how the tragey happened. Talk and discuss it openly and sincerely. Reopen all files, all documents. Study the official and unofficial version. Locally and abroad. Interview witnesses. Old they may be but they are still around. And they remember the tragedy and the events before it well. The main "characters" of that era are however gone. Sad. But the challenge to pursue the truth must go on.
With the truth we can avoid another May 13 tragedy as well as ensuring a truly united Malaysia. One who can differ in opinion, have different ideology and faith but united as Malaysian nevertheless.
Who to conduct the study? The government can start it rolling by giving the green light. An independent body, made up of Malaysians and members of the international community, should be entrusted to handle the probe. And the findings must be conclusive and accepted by all without prejudice etc.
Also why not hold a commemorative event on May 13 annually. On an "official platform." Not to fan sentiment but to pay respect to the victims. Say a prayer for them regardless Malay, Chinese, Indian everybody. Let's face it although the majority of us have "forgotten" May 13, Malaysians who lost members of their families in the tragedy has never forgotten what took place that day in 1969. Some are no more with us. But there are surviving family members. Let's offer them some comfort at least on every May 13.
In Hiroshima a rememberance service is held every year to commemorate the destruction caused by the American A-bomb. It's held in honour of the victims. Not to whip anti-US sentiment.
We can do the same here without pitting one community against another. But in honour of those who lost their lives on 13 May 1969 and the days that followed which saw mayhem and madness in this beloved land of ours.
May they rest in peace. And may the madness never recur.
